In the New Testament, John the Baptist is a fascinating figure. Born to devout parents Elizabeth and Zacharias, he was chosen before birth to prepare the way for Jesus Christ. Zacharias was promised that his son would go forth "in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children."1 John's fiery messages and bold assertions of righteousness led to his imprisonment by Herod Antipas and eventually his death by beheading.2
John the Baptist continued to play a crucial role during the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ. On May 15th, 1829, while Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were translating the Book of Mormon and had questions about baptism, John the Baptist appeared to them near Harmony, Pennsylvania. John the Baptist conferred upon them the Aaronic Priesthood, the lesser priesthood authority in the Church. Along with this priesthood, Joseph and Oliver were also given the keys, or authority, to perform baptisms.3
